Navigating Professional Disagreements

The Ritz-Carlton Perspective

Real professionals can vehemently disagree with each other’s point of view and yet, remain respectful.

DOs and DON’Ts of Professional Disagreement

DO genuinely listen. You may have an opposite point-of-view, but if you dismiss your colleague’s ideas without listening, you will seem intractable, disrespectful and uncooperative.

DON’T belittle or yell at your colleague. Raising your voice does not make you more right. Professionals are able to control their emotions and remain calm no matter the circumstances.

DO consider stopping an impassioned discussion and resuming the conversation after you’ve both had time to think or do further research.

DON’T continuously interrupt your colleague. If your co-worker isn’t giving you the opportunity to speak, you may need to cut him or her off. However, you should also give your colleague the opportunity to finish a sentence.

DO consider consulting a third party. If you are truly at a stalemate, a mediator or neutral co-worker can help you arrive at a resolution.

DON’T hold a grudge if your point-of-view ends up being overridden. Do your best to support the final decision and show your colleagues that you are a team player—even when it’s someone else’s idea. ∞